Elbow Specialist and Elbow Surgery in Hoffman Estates, IL and Elk Grove Village, IL

Elbow Specialist and Elbow Surgery

At CORE Orthopedics, we specialize in the treatment of pain and injuries to the elbow. From tennis elbow to arthritis, we are here to answer your questions regarding elbow surgical procedures and when the right procedure might be necessary. 

Elbow injuries are incredibly common, particularly amongst athletes who play golf or tennis. In addition, boxers and baseball pitchers also frequently suffer from elbow pain, limiting activity. Numerous conditions can be treated with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication, but more serious conditions or injuries that have been ignored over time may require a more direct approach ranging from steroid injections to surgery.

At CORE Orthopedics, we have the experience required to diagnose the specific elbow problem and advise each patient of their options depending on their lifestyle. From our talented team of surgeons to the right application of physical therapy, we are here to help with the right application of pain relief to meet your needs.

Many of our elbow surgery procedures are outpatient, meaning the patient will endure less pain and will have a much faster recovery time. We offer treatments for the following common elbow conditions, as well as many others. Make an appointment with your CORE doctor to discuss the best options for you. 

Elbow Conditions:

• Biceps Tendonitis Treatment (at the Elbow)
• Elbow Bursitis Treatment
• Hyperextension Elbow Treatment
• Tennis Elbow Treatment (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s Elbow Treatment (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Elbow Fractures
• Treatment for Overuse Injuries of the Elbow
• Treatment for Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Repair

Please review a number of the elbow procedures provided by CORE’s surgeons below for more specific information or contact us today to learn more about what might be causing your elbow pain. 

Arthroscopic Debridement of the Elbow: 

This is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon examines the inside of the elbow joint with an arthroscope. After anesthetizing the patient, the surgeon injects fluid into the elbow to expand the joint and provide a clear view of the joint. A series of small incisions surrounding the elbow are created before an arthroscopic camera and other instruments are inserted into the elbow. 

Using the arthroscopic camera, the surgeon locates damaged areas of the joint. After diagnosing the elbow, the surgeon uses the arthroscopic instruments to repair the joint by filing down bone spurs or removing loose or damaged cartilage. The patient is usually able to leave the hospital the same day as the procedure.

Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa: 

This outpatient procedure is performed to relieve pain or swelling in the elbow caused by bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid filled sac between the skin and bones of the elbow. After numbing the injection site with regional anesthesia, the physician guides a needle into the inflamed bursa. Excess fluid is then drained from the bursa, reducing swelling in the elbow. Pain relief usually begins within two to three days of the injection.

Cubital Tunnel Release at the Elbow: 

This is an outpatient procedure performed to treat cubital tunnel syndrome. The procedure alleviates compression of the ulnar nerve, which is the nerve that travels along the inner side of the elbow and down to the hand. Before the procedure begins, the patient is anesthetized. The surgeon creates an incision along the inner side of the elbow to access the cubital tunnel, the open space surrounded by muscle and bone that provides a channel for the ulnar nerve. 

The surgeon carefully opens the roof of the cubital tunnel, creating more space for the ulnar nerve. The nerve is then usually moved out of the tunnel and is repositioned along a new path, preventing it from being compressed in the future. After the procedure, the arm is bandaged and placed in a splint. The patient is released the same day as the procedure.

Elbow Fracture Surgery – Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: 

This surgery is performed to stabilize and heal a fractured elbow. The details of the surgery vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture. The patient will be anesthetized in preparation for the surgery. 

The surgeon can make an incision or multiple incisions to assist in seeing the fracture. The surgeon then brings the pieces of fractured bone back into alignment before securing the bones to each other using screws, metal plates, wires, or pins. The incision is closed, and most patients are released home the same day.

Medical Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery): 

This procedure repairs a torn elbow ligament, an injury that usually occurs from a repeated overhead throwing motion of the arm or by dislocation of the elbow. At the beginning of the procedure, the surgeon harvests a tendon from the patient’s body, usually the palmaris longus tendon of the forearm. The surgeon creates an incision on the inner side of the elbow, which exposes the damaged medial ulnar collateral ligament. 

Tunnels are then drilled through the humerus and ulna bones, where the damaged ligament normally attaches. The harvested tendon is looped through the tunnels in a “figure eight” pattern, before the tendon is sutured to itself, stabilizing the joint. After the procedure, the elbow is immobilized in a hard brace for one to two weeks. 

The patient may then be allowed to switch to a hinged brace and begin limited exercise of the arm for one to two more weeks. Competitive throwing may be allowed at six to nine months, and most athletes regain their pre-injury level of function about 12-18 months after the surgery.

Radial Tunnel Release at the Elbow: 

This outpatient procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia and is used to treat radial tunnel syndrome by alleviating compression of the radial nerve. The radial nerve travels along the outer side of the elbow and down to the hand. 

The surgeon accesses the radial tunnel through an incision made to the outer side of the elbow, which is the open space providing a channel for the radial nerve. The surgeon opens the roof of the radial tunnel at the side of the compression, creating more space for the radial nerve. After the procedure, the arm is placed in a splint. The patient can usually go home the same day or after one night.